The 2023 AFL National Draft is less than a month away and with it fast approaching we've finalised our first edition Mock Draft - looking at how the opening round of the count might unfold.

The first round of November's draft has extended to 22 selections following the establishment of free agency compensation selections and one additional pick via the AFL's assistance package for North Melbourne.

With Academy and father-son bids predicted to come on the opening night of the draft, the first round could be extended past the mid-20s in what shapes as an intriguing queue.

Below we've worked through the first round of the draft order to present our opening Mock Draft of the season.

For the purpose of this exercise, we have decided not to predict prior or live trades for the draft, with the order remaining as it currently reads with the addition of matched Academy and father-son bids.ย 

VIEW: FULL 2023 AFL DRAFT ORDER

5. Pick 5 - Hawthorn: Dan Curtin

Position: Defender
Height: 197cm
Weight: 95kg
State: Western Australia
Club: West Coast

The Hawks would like to have one of Curtin or Duursma slide to their opening selection, and in this case, it's the former.

The Western Australian is the most versatile talent in this year's class, able to play key-position roles in defence and attack while also having the ability to be run through midfield as a big-bodied presence.

Curtin would feature at senior level for Claremont this year throughout the end of the WAFL season and during their finals campaign, where he'd show plenty of poise across the backline.

Another to consider:ย Nick Watson

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Daniel Curtin of the Team Houli Squad is tackled during the 2022 AFL Futures match between Team Houli and Team Murphy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)